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There’s a reason why I wasn’t that excited for the new Star Wars movie. The lightsaber didn’t surprise me, and it seems like a cool idea anyways. And sure, the general reaction to the black stormtrooper had me scratching my head, but other than that, Star Wars isn’t what defines sci-fi and space operas for me anymore. Saga does because it’s filled with the weirdest and sweetest stuff to ever grace sci-fi since Firefly and it all starts with a daughter talking about her folks.

A Comic with an Outlandish Premise
Saga is strange in many different ways. Firstly, it’s fantasy/sci-fi romp through a wide universe. Each planet is peopled by some fun races which range from adorable anthropomorphic seals to the magical folk of Wreath. The Robot Kingdom are filled with, surprise, robots, with TVs replacing their heads and with the anatomy and functionality of humans. It’s all very weird and it’s a lot to take in if you aren’t initiated with how Pulpy old school Sci-Fi can get.

But that’s just a small part of how wild and beautiful Saga is. In between bounty hunters with extendable lances, Spider/human beings armed to the teeth, and ghosts, there’s a sweet story about family and forbidden love.

Inspired by Star Wars and Flash Gordon
Now a lot of people might already draw parallels between this comic and the biggun’ which is Star Wars, and for the most part, those comparisons are right. Brian Vaughan openly admits that his inspirations for Saga fall firmly in the world of the Jedi with a little Flash Gordon splashed in for flavor. However, those lines have been drawn and both already have followings of their own. Saga is new to the game, but each page brings a treasure trove of visually striking art and lore you can really sink your teeth into. Also, The Will is cool as hell.

‘Cause you can’t do Sci-Fi without a few burns.

The Heart of an Epic Saga
If you’ve ever read any of my old reviews, then my adoration for sappy stuff should be evident. The special thing I found in Saga is its familial themes. While battling bounty hunters, combat trained grandparents, and occasionally their own cultures, Marko and Alana struggle to make ends meet. They seek shelter wherever they can while raising their little Hazel in a very violent world wired to hate her from the get go. Things can’t get any worse for this fledgling family, and yet, they make it work with a little grit and a lot of love. It also helps that between high octane action scenes are tender little moments like this.

This is Lying Cat, which calls anyone out on their lies. Lying Cat is my new favorite thing.

Conclusion
Saga is a special little gem of a comic that constantly builds on its already expansive and deep lore. I can tell that this will run for a very long time, and may even inspire some studios to adapt its weird and bright material. Give it a read if you’re a little tired of the Sci-Fi you see on the TV. Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples have made one helluva sweet story. Next week’s review will jump right back into Science Fiction, but it’ll be pulpier and even a bit more nostalgic than most titles.